WOW! Tears and laughter. I just finished reading your book (in 1 1/2 hours). May you and Maddy continued to be blessed by your loving memories of Liz. Of course, I don’t know you personallyj, but your story is one of courage and strength. May you also continued to be blessed with finding a new, different, but real love with Brooke. Second relationships can be a very happy, but sometimes uphill struggle. The jet pack reminds me of my son…when he was 2 (I was a single mom and he got to use the men’s room with his grandaddy for the first time). He sat proudly on Santa’s lap and asked for a urinal.

This is so sweet. You all look so happy. I hope it doesn’t offend you and Brooke for me to say that Maddy bears a striking resemblance to Liz, especially in the last picture. She’s already a beautiful girl.

Hi Matt and Maddy! I go to SI and finally got around to reading your book after seeing your interview a few months ago. I was excited to finally get my hands on a copy and check it out, and you didn’t disappoint. I finished the thing in a day, and there was even a point where I was truly SOBBING (when you were pacing outside her room, saying she was tough and could do this). I want to re-read it, because there are some passages I just loved and want to remember. Thanks for being in our newspaper! You sound like a great guy and I wish you and Maddy all the best! Maddy looks SOO much like her mommy! She got her mini-me for sure! =)

Matt, just finished Two Kisses for Maddy. I stumbled upon your blog a few years ago, used to read it frequently, and then life got busy. When I saw your book in the store, I immediately purchased and was unable to put it down. Two days later, here I am, back on your blog. I was curious about updates. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Liz, and Maddy with us. You touch more lives than you’ll ever know.

Hello…I was a frequent follower of your blog but had to step away for a reason I’m not sure. I just recently read your book and wanted to let you know that it’s beautifully written. It tells a story that your blog does not. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.

So, I read the most recent post first. If Hollywood is going to make a movie about your life, SURELY you can work in to let Maddy have a go with a jet pack at SOME point, right? Like ON her next birthday? How hard can it be?

Most difficult-to-explain thing my kid has ever said: We don’t differentiate people by skin color around here. To them, everyone’s skin is just “different shades of brown” and they even tell people all the time that they’re different colors (which is true, one is more fair-skinned). Mostly, they identify people by the color of their shirt. BUT. They were playing at a playground with a very dark-skinned Jamaican family who were wearing white t-shirts and my Oldest Boy yelled, “HEY! Where’d that white boy go?!?!” Um, we made sure to learn their names after that…

Your book was a Taj Mahal for sure. As I “got to know” Liz through the book, I kept imagining her reaction if only she could see what a monument you’ve made for the 3 of you. And the foundation and this blog too. All of it together is the most amazing legacy. She was a lucky woman, despite it all, to be loved by you. I got the copy with the reading guide, and there was actually a question I’d love your answer to if ever you’re answering questions. It said, ‘Liz and Matt spend a great deal of their relationship living apart. How do you think the physical distance during times in their relationship affected Matt in dealing with Liz’s death?’ I’d really love to know your answer to that one.
Love to you, Maddy, angel Liz, and Brooke. Damn lucky girls!
Jess

Just checked in here…it’s has been a little while! My son wanted something similar for his 4th birthday – he wanted the “real” Buzz Lightyear wings so he could actually fly! I bought him a costume and said he could pretend but unfortunately they don’t allow children that young to actually fly until they are older and can take a test and get a license – he sort of understood and was happy enough with just the costume! Found this jetpack that someone made with junk – http://www.instructables.com/id/Jet-pack/ maybe a trip to the junkyard/goodwill store or check eBay or your local costume store. Love that your book may be a movie soon! Exciting stuff!

I have a tendency to read “depressing” memoirs and novels. I don’t know why, exactly, but I guess it’s similar to the reason you like sad songs. They’re just more real. I don’t find a depressing novel depressing like others might. That said, I must say that your book evoked feelings and emotions that I can’t even articulate, feelings I’ve never felt reading any other book. I’m still trying to figure out how exactly to describe that unusual feeling I get reading it. The closest I can come to is that it’s like I’m there, with you, experiencing each and every moment. I even found myself having the most vivid dreams of Liz afterward. I think you should be very proud of what you’ve written, that it could so viscerally affect someone who doesn’t even know you, and I think it’s a testament to the love you shared with your wife, and your connection to her, that it’s such a powerful memoir. I know Liz is proud, wherever she may be.

Hey matt, I was wondering if I could ask you a question – you were talking about maddy starting a new school. I have a soon to be 3 year old whose dad died when he was just a few months old and I’m really anxious about how school works in this situation – do you talk to the teachers and make them aware maddy’s mom died? What do you write when filling out paperwork – do you put liz’s name, or since you have brooke, do you just put her as the mother? It’s oddly ovewhelming. I’m especially nervous about things like father’s day projects. I don’t want him to feel awkward. I’d love any suggestions if you have the time.

Your little girl looks exactly like Liz. In fact she looks more and more like her everyday. What a beautiful reminder of Liz. I’ve been reading your story since spring of 2009. Your little Madeline is 2 months older than my Shawn. So wonderful to see her grow up. All the best!

soaring spirits loss foundation

Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation provides Internet based programs, an extensive on-line resource library, annual events, and peer-based support for people grieving the loss of someone they love. Visit www.sslf.org to learn more about the programs we offer.